Worldwide Wildcats defeat Nightrydas Elite 2020 71-62
In the Class of 2020 the weekend of Feb. 20-22 proved to be an early
testing ground to measure the improvement of several nationally ranked players
on our list. Our staff was invited to
New Orleans for the John Lucas All-Star Tournament Event. This year’s event was stellar with a plethora
of talent on hand in each grade level. There
were nationally ranked teams and players going at it in multiple age groups on
multiple courts in the Alario Center!
The 7th grade division was no exception as it was loaded with
talent from top to bottom. The #1, #4
and #5 players in the nation on our preseason list all suited up for the same
squad which made this event extra special.
There were also several breakout performances in the age group and
having Clark Francis (Hoop Scoop), Tate Johnson (NBA TOP100), Brian Merrit and
John Lucas (John Lucas Enterprises) on hand added to the mystique and built up
an environment for the kids to compete in that words can’t really express. Having top 25 Preseason ranked 7th
graders such as Shemar Morrow, Donavan Billings, Jason Harris, Jaden Springer,
Isaiah LeBlanc, Chase Ellis, Dwon Odom and Kalib Murphy added to the legitimacy
and strength of the 7th grade group, but when John Lucas is involved
expect the environment to be intense to say the least.
Jamari Smith (6-1)
SG/SF (Worldwide Wildcats) – Busted the radar wide open with a breakout
performance in this event. He is long,
athletic and explosive. Witnessed him utilizing
his blazing speed and quickness to lead Worldwide to their 2nd consecutive
championship for the 2020 class at the John Lucas All Star Weekend event. Played his best on the biggest stage in the
Championship Game scoring close to 30 points vs. Shemar Morrow and Jason Harris
led Nightrydas Elite 2020 squad. Elite
athlete still developing skill wise and basketball IQ wise but his ability to
drive and finish above the rim with dunks puts him above most at this level.
Chase Ellis (6-3)
PF (Worldwide Wildcats) – Won the Championship with his stellar inside
play. Keeps things simple but
effective. Wide body space eater. Has great hands and great
footwork. Simply, a load to handle on
the boards due to his body size and quickness, this kid has a sweet touch as
well. We liked the fact he enjoys
contact and plays through it like nothing ever happened. As he goes this Wildcat team goes. Teamed up with Jamari Smith to form a deadly
one-two punch and dropped 23 points in the Championship win.
Justin Powell (5-11) SG (Worldwide Wildcats) – Mr. Automatic from 3, Powell showed a complete package this weekend. He was certainly a catalyst in helping propel his Worldwide Wildcats to the big win over Nightrydas Elite in the Championship. He has improved by leaps and bounds in several areas, and we are looking forward to seeing him display his improvements as his confidence grows and grows. As Powell becomes more aggressive, we look for him to continue to rise in the rankings. He may be 6-7 or 6-8 and as his skill level and confidence continue to grow, his high basketball IQ will become even more attractive to the major universities.
Shemar Morrow (6-3) WF (Nightrydas Elite) – Proved why is considered the top player in the class at times during the weekend and then at other times seemed like he didn’t really want to step on to many toes on this new squad. Tough playing with a new array but he has undeniable ELITE athleticism and the ability to take over games. Wing skills are developing nicely, would love to see him begin to dominate defensively every game. Dropped a game high of 22 points vs. God First and 32 points vs. Worldwide Wildcats, with both games played virtually back to back. Averaged a double-double.
Jason Harris (6-6)
PF (Nightrydas Elite) – Played like a man on a mission. Jason’s perimeter skills are starting to
develop. There were times he grabbed the
rebound and went coast to coast with high level finishes. Has a solid but still developing post arsenal. Dunking now with ease, including off
vertical. He was dominate on the
offensive and defensive glass and poured in 39 points against Atlanta Playmakers. Not having a full strength front court mate
made his job harder against the super-sized Worldwide Wildcats, but Harris
battled like the top 5 player many consider him to be in this class. Averaged a
double-double.
Isaiah LeBlanc
(6-1) SG/SF (God First Crusaders) – Showed a good deal of improvement in his
game. We were initially blown away at
his upside, but his game is really developing nicely. Showed one of the most polished mid-range
games in the 2020 class and played unselfishly sharing the wealth on a very
talented team. He made the correct plays
and rebounded like a PF or C even against the front line of Donovan Billings,
Jason Harris and Shemar Morrow. Showed ability
to take over games in many ways, one 30 point game, one triple-double game and
in the loss vs. Nightrydas 19 points and 16 rebounds with 5 assists. Averaged a
double-double.
Tramon Mark (5-9)
PG/SG (God First Crusaders) – Really staked a claim at being in the
conversation for one of the potentially great guards in this deep 2020
class. This lefty is oozing with
fast-twitch muscles and athleticism. His
skill level is also high for his age and at this point he reminds us of a young
Brandon Jennings or Houston’s own 2016 stud De’Aaron Fox. Elite handle, good shooter, ability to run
the offense or score at a high clip.
Witnessed glimpses of his defensive abilities and when his defensive
awareness and defensive aggressiveness improves he will stake his claim as one
of the best guards in the nation in the 2020 class.
Dwon Odom (6-0)
SG/SF (Atlanta Playmakers) – Unbelievable motor and heart. Virtually unstoppable with a head of steam
going to the basket in transition. One
of the most elite finishers in the class of 2020, Odom had a handful of dunks
during this event. His natural talent,
athleticism and ability to play multiple positions make him a legit top 20
prospect for years to come. Rebounded
out of his area and battled with most of the nation’s best big men with no
problems. His next step is to improve
his jump shot, although he is the leader of the pack in a strong 2020 class out
of Georgia. Averaged a double-double with multiple 20 rebound games.
Calib Murphy (5-8)
PG (Atlanta Playmakers) – This elite level PG has the ball on a string and the
ability to shift defenders and get in the paint at will. He also possesses a deadly outside shot and
quickness for his position. His decision
making and leadership abilities have improved and although he wasn’t running
with his normal team, he kept his troops organized and in every game. We would love to see him compete more defensively,
with his hand and foot quickness and ability to move laterally, he could make
for a dominate ball pressuring defender.
Jaden Springer (5-10)
SF (Oakland Soldiers 2021) – Won yet another championship! A year younger than almost every other elite
7th grader, Jaden teamed up with Zion Harmon to dominate the 12U/6th
grade division. BTW that duo is undefeated
while playing on the same team together.
He is one of the top players regardless of which class he is playing
in. He has great feet and hands with a “hemi”
type of motor when he plays. His length and
strength are far advance and he has a propensity to finish through contact with
ease. He scores in a multitude of ways
with his high basketball IQ. With a
father who was a McDonald’s All-American and pro, all the signs of greatness
are there for this young fella.
Check out videos from the John Lucas All-Star Weekend!
Shemar Morrow #1 Player Class of 2020 is a freak athlete with a developing game!
Isaiah LeBlanc #1 Player State of Texas Class of 2020 has a tremendous upside!
Jason Harris is dunking all over the competition in the Class of 2020 and 2019 this year!
Tramon Mark Class of 2020 is the next great lefty guard out of the State of Texas!
Shemar Morrow has been dunking since 6th grade, back to back dunks in 7th grade game!
